The images show that much of Qatar’s cultural heritage lives on, yet the peninsula has undergone an extensive transformation

Qatar Tourism revealed historical and modern-day photographs of the country. These fascinating contrast photographs are of, over the past 50 years. While the images show that much of Qatar’s cultural heritage lives on, with souqs, palaces and forts proudly maintained and refurbished, the peninsula has undergone an extensive transformation with skyscrapers now dotting the skyline of the capital Doha.

Now with Qatar’s borders re-open to fully vaccinated travellers, Qatar Tourism is spearheading a drive to encourage visitors to Qatar to enjoy its year-round sunshine and exciting calendar of activities and events in the lead up to the FIFA World Cup 2022 next year.

“Qatar has a fascinating history for such a small country, stretching back way into the annals of ancient human history. Yet, no period has been as dramatic and transformational as the past 50 years, where huge infrastructure programmes have made modern Doha essentially unrecognisable from how it used to be. At the same time, we are grateful that Qatar’s government and visionary leadership over the years has ensured the preservation of Qatari heritage and traditions. It allows us to showcase our authentic treasures, such as the UNESCO world heritage site in Al Zubarah, and the iconic National Museum of Qatar, amongst so much more,” said Akbar Al Baker, Chief Executive, Qatar Airways Group and Chairman, Qatar Tourism.

Nowhere is the difference between past and present more pronounced than in Doha’s West Bay area. Once marked only by the Sheraton Grand Hotel, the country’s first major luxury resort is now filled with interesting and unique skyscrapers accentuated by the seven-kilometre-long Doha Corniche, which took shape after extensive dredging work in the 70s and 80s.

At the same time, Qatar has made sure to preserve the cultural treasures of its past. Visitors can explore historical locations such as the Al Zubarah UNESCO World Heritage site, a pristine typical Arab Fort; the Souq Waqif, a traditional market renovated in 2006; and the mysterious Al Jassasiya Rock Carvings, 874 carvings known as ‘petroglyphs’ thought to date back to Neolithic times.

The full sweeping history of Qatar can be explored at the National Museum of Qatar. Next year, Qatar will mark another major historical milestone as the country becomes the first Middle East nation to host a FIFA World Cup. 

Qatar Tourism thanked the researchers at Qatar Museums, Qatar National Library, Qatar Foundation, the Sheraton Grand Hotel, and Msheireb Properties, for their gracious help and support in sourcing the photographs.